Developments in power converters

Progress in the area of power electronics is reviewed, and the goals of power-converter evolution are examined. Examples at medium or high power ratings have been chosen in order to show that this evolution is not restricted to small power converters. It is noted that the development of power electronics relies on the progress made in the performance of switching semiconductor devices and in the design and control of the converters. It is shown how the extension of applications leads to a better understanding of the specificity of power electronics. It is demonstrated how the improvement of the components makes it possible to set more ambitious goals for power electronic converters. Examples are examined which illustrate two important trends: the increase of switching frequency and the reduction of disturbances